New citizens celebrated at shire ceremony

Gunnedah Shire has officially welcomed the newest Australian citizens at a ceremony.

Alvaro Augusto Diaz Guerra, Dibanhi Guadalupe Marsh, Juliet Matias Woodward, Karun and Kody Pun, and Ashleigh Foster were among those who pledged their commitment to Australia.

Gunnedah Shire mayor Colleen Fuller said she was delighted the new citizens had chosen both Australia and Gunnedah as their homes.

“Citizenship ceremonies are a very special part of my role at Gunnedah Shire Council, and it is a privilege to see so many people pledging their commitment to our nation,” Cr Fuller said.

“It’s wonderful to see our shire growing and diversifying each year, and to celebrate a shared future.”

Member for Parkes and former Gunnedah Shire mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was “an absolute honour” to be part of a citizenship ceremony.

“It was inspiring to hear about their personal journeys and to see so many of the community come to

help them celebrate the final step in their path to Australian citizenship,” he said.

“It is a true privilege to be part of such a milestone in their life journey.”

For Alvaro, becoming an Australian citizen marked another milestone in a journey that began more than seven years ago when he moved from Colombia to Australia to complete a master’s degree in mining.

Ashleigh Foster, right, with her husband Leigh and their children Ella and Max. Photos: Gunnedah Shire Council

He came to Gunnedah four years ago as an intern with Whitehaven Coal, which later developed into an ongoing employment opportunity.

His partner, Laury Suarez, joined him in Gunnedah more than two years ago, and the couple have made many friends in the community.

Alvaro loves Gunnedah for its strong sense of community – the people are always friendly and make them feel welcome.

He loves the beautiful green spaces and parks, where you can get outside, play sport, have a barbecue and spend time with friends.

Dibanhi was born in Mexico and moved to Australia permanently in July 2020 after meeting her now-husband Richard while studying English.

Richard was living in Gunnedah, and Dibanhi moved to the town six years ago to join him.

She has embraced opportunities to share her Mexican heritage with the wider community, taking part in local multicultural events, volunteering to read Spanish books to children and visiting childcare centres to share her culture. Dibanhi holds a deep love and respect for Australia, its culture, and its traditions.

Becoming an Australian citizen means truly embracing this country as her own, showing complete respect for its people, and proudly holding the Australian flag high.

Juliet moved to Australia from the Philippines in search of greater opportunities and settled in Gunnedah in 2014.

She lives in the town with her husband Tony and their three children. Her oldest son, CJ, became an Australian citizen on Australia Day this year.

Juliet said she liked Gunnedah because the community was very nice and helpful.

Karun moved from Nepal to Australia in 2018 to study a Masters in Tourism and Hotel Management. After training as a chef in Sydney, he moved to Gunnedah for employment in 2021.

\Mayor Colleen Fuller, Ashleigh Foster and deputy mayor Kate McGrath.

He said he felt lucky to have chosen Gunnedah, describing it as a great small town with everything he needs.

Karun lives with his wife and their six-year-old son, Kody, who also became an Australian citizen.

Karun is looking forward to getting involved in the community.

Kody enjoys swimming, riding his bike and having fun with his friends.

Ashleigh Foster first travelled to Australia from the United Kingdom when she was 19 as part of her university degree and quickly fell in love with the country.

After returning to the UK, she completed her degree and began her career, but decided to return to Australia in 2003 to travel and work for a year. The move eventually became permanent.

Ashleigh relocated to Gunnedah 10 years ago after meeting her partner Leigh. The couple have two children, and in April this year Ashleigh celebrated a decade at the Gunnedah TAFE campus.

Ashleigh loves Gunnedah for its strong sense of community as people are so friendly, welcoming and always willing to help each other.

Although not having family living nearby can be challenging at times, Gunnedah has become home for Ashleigh and Leigh and they have built a wonderful network of friends who they have raised their children with and who feel like an extended family.